Academic Manager

**WHO WE ARE**

OSHKI-WENJACK’s mission is Building and Empowering First Nations Futures.

**VISION STATEMENT**

OSHKI-WENJACK is Strengthening Nations through First Nations Education.

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**Key Duties & Responsibilities**:

- Leadership
- Develop and articulate a clear vision for the academic department that aligns with the Institution’s mission, vision, values and goals
- In collaboration with the Sr. Vice President, Academics and the Anishinaabe Curriculum Manager, implement long term academic plans and policies that promote growth and innovation
- Support the creation and implementation of strategic plans to enhance student retention, engagement and graduation rates
- Foster a collaborative and supportive team environment, encouraging professional growth and development
- Manage departmental budgets, ensuring allocation of resources to support academic initiatives
- Build and maintain strong relationships with Instructors, staff, students, and community partners
- Manage all student academic complaints that escalate beyond the Instructor and Coordinator level
- Ensure that all employees and instructors in the academic department receive an appropriate orientation to the Institute and all programs as well as any applicable training
- Participate in job interviews for department
- Recruit, train and supervise employees in the academic’s department
- Bring new program requests forward to the Leadership team
- Approve employee requests including vacation, travel, medical leaves and off-site training
- Conduct performance evaluations and provide professional development opportunities

**Program Planning**
- Plan the delivery of the overall program and its activities in accordance with the mission, vision, values, and the goals of the Institute
- Manage placement opportunities for students
- Put in place new initiatives to support the strategic direction of the Institute
- Identify post-secondary educational programs and educational partners
- Identify training programs and training partners
- Develop funding proposals for programs that meet community needs and ensure the continuous delivery of services
- Establish and implement long-term goals and objectives to achieve successful outcomes of the program
- Develop an annual budget and operating plan to support each program
- Determine instructors’ requirements for program delivery
- In consultation with the Leadership Team, determine facility, classroom, and IT needs
- Develop community-based partnerships (E.g. Elders program)
- Develop policies, procedures and processes relevant to the department
- Ensure program mapping and delivery of programs align to partner agreements
- Quality Assurance, Risk Management, and Compliance
- Monitor, update and approve policies and procedures relevant to the department
- Ensure that systems are in place to identify and manage risks
- Identify and address, operational challenges, including risk, within programs
- Develop standards and promote activities that enhance operational effectiveness
- Prepare interim and final reports for Governing Council, Leadership team and funders
- Ensure compliance with applicable legislation, regulations, contracts, and policies and procedures
- Communicate with funders, as outlined in the funding agreement terms and conditions
- Conduct annual evaluations according to the respective evaluation frameworks
- Authorize all program related purchase orders and sign related cheques
- Attend leadership meetings as required

**Supervision**:
5-10 employees (direct reports), 50-80 instructors (indirect reports)

**Other Duties & Responsibilities**:

- Access and utilize Elders and Knowledge Keepers for teachings and guidance as it relates to work deliverables
- Be prepared to work in conjunction with the philosophy and mandate of the Institute.
- Adhere to the Policies and Procedures as set by the Institute
- Representation on committees as required for the enhancement and benefits of Oshki-Wenjack’s overall operations and programs
- Always maintain professionalism
- Adhere to the Code of Ethics and positive relationship building
- Regular attendance and conduct at work according to the requirements of Oshki-Wenjack’s Policies and Procedures
- Any other duties as requested by the Sr. Vice President, Academics commensurate with role

**COMPETENCIES REQUIRED**:

- Specific Knowledge
- Basic understanding of project accounting
- Knowledge of Indigenous culture, traditions, and Indigenous communities
- Fiscal management
- Leadership and Management: Ability to lead teams, manage resources, and oversee program activities
- Proficient with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

**Skills and Attributes**:

- A dynamic leader with strong managerial and motivational skills
- An expert in planning and change management
- Strong interpersonal skills and extremely resourceful
- Demonstrated ability to reach targets and stay within budget
- Ability to meet deadlines and submit reports in a timely manner
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